Method and apparatus for transmitting information about a target object between a prescanner and a CT scanner

ABSTRACT

A method or apparatus for analyzing an object includes an X-ray prescanner that performs a prescan of the object to determine prescan information about the object. Then, a CT scanner performs a CT scan on at least one plane of the object based on the prescan information to determine CT information. In one embodiment, if the CT scan of the object includes or is in the vicinity of metal, then metal artifact correction of a reconstructed image from the CT scan is performed based on the prescan information. In another embodiment, a processor analyzes the CT information and the prescan information to determine whether to update the prescan information based on the CT information

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the field of X-ray detectionsystems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There exists a need for improved systems and methods of screeningbaggage for explosives, weapons, and other contraband. Some existingsystems employ X-ray scanners, computed tomography (CT) scanners, orother imaging devices to detect concealed objects. In some such systems,a CT scanner is preceded by an X-ray scanner, which performs a“prescanning” function to determine initial information on the contentsof an article of baggage. Existing X-ray based systems provide differingdegrees of sophistication in terms of their ability to analyze baggagebased on the X-ray data obtained. Some, for example, balance the speedof the baggage screening with the accuracy and reliability with whichcontraband is detected. While the prescanning function discussed abovemay increase the accuracy and reliability with which contraband isdetected, there exists a need for improved systems and methods ofscreening baggage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method or apparatus foranalyzing an object in which a dual energy X-ray prescanner performs aprescan of the object to determine prescan information about the object.Then, a CT scanner performs a CT scan on at least one plane of theobject based on the prescan information. If the CT scan of the objectincludes or is in the vicinity of metal, then metal artifact correctionof a reconstructed image from the CT scan may be performed using theprescan and CT scan information.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method or apparatusfor analyzing an object in which a prescanner, which need not be a dualenergy prescanner, performs a prescan of the object to determine prescaninformation. Then, a CT scanner performs a CT scan of the object todetermine CT information. A processor analyzes the CT information andthe prescan information to determine whether to update the prescaninformation based on the CT information.

While the description and claims herein recite use of a CT scanner, suchterm is intended to cover any device that measures at least density ofan object scanned by the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for transmitting informationfrom a prescanner device to a CT scanner device according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus for transmitting informationfrom a CT scanner device to a prescanner device according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an apparatus for transmitting informationbetween a CT scanner device and a prescanner device according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for transmittinginformation between a CT scanner device and a prescanner deviceaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a grid for performing CT scans atintervals;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating reference coordinates for a scanneditem; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for obtaining a CT imageand predicting and correcting metal artifacts of the CT image accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a system or method in which aprescanner X-ray device and a downstream (of the prescanner) computedtomography (CT) device scan an object. The object may be located withina piece of baggage, a manufactured product, the human body, or someother item penetrable by X-rays. Information collected on the object maybe transmitted from the prescanner to the CT scanner and/or from the CTscanner to the prescanner.

One embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 1, isdirected to a method and apparatus for transmitting information from aprescanner device 1 to a downstream CT scanner device 3. This can beaccomplished in any of numerous ways, and the present invention is notlimited to any particular one of such ways.

In accordance with one illustrative embodiment, information fromprescanner device 1 is transmitted from prescanner device 1 to aprocessor 5 via a data link 7. Data link 7, and any other data linkdescribed herein, is not limited to any particular type of link and maybe implemented using any suitable means for transmitting information,such as an Ethernet link.

Processor 5 may process the information transmitted from the prescannerdevice, and transmit the processed information, or a control signal withinstructions based on the processed information, to CT scanner device 3via a data link 9. Processor 5 may be located external or internal to CTscanner device.

It should be appreciated that while FIG. 1 illustrates both a directcommunication link, such as data link 11, and an indirect communicationlink via a processor, such as data links 7 and 9, both communicationslinks are not required. One such communication link, or any othercommunication link that may be envisioned by one skilled in the art, maybe implemented.

Prescanner device 1 may be any of numerous multiple energy X-raydevices. For example, prescanner device 1 may be a single or multi-viewdual energy line scanning X-ray device, a dual energy CT scanner device,or any other device capable of measuring effective atomic numbercharacteristics of an object, the significance of which will beappreciated from the forthcoming discussion. U.S. Pat. No. 5,838,758(Krug), which is hereby incorporated by reference, teaches dual energyX-ray inspection systems, any of which may be employed as the prescannerdevice according to an embodiment of the invention.

CT scanner device 3 may be any of numerous devices for performingcomputed tomography or, more generally, may be any device capable ofmeasuring density characteristics of an object. Prescanner device 1 andCT scanner device 3 may be implemented as separate units, as shown inFIG. 1, or as a single unit having both prescanning and CT scanningfunctionalities.

The screening systems described herein may be used in a variety ofapplications to recognize and detect target objects of interest. Targetobjects may include, but are not limited to, concealed objects (e.g.,explosive devices or other weapons) inside a container (e.g., baggage),defects (e.g., cracks, air bubbles, or impurities) in articles ofmanufacture (e.g., commercial products), and areas of interest (e.g.,tumors or other masses, including masses located near bone, metal, oranother high-density material from which artifacts may result) withinthe body. Thus, the invention described herein may be used, for example,in settings such as airports, manufacturing plants, and hospitals, andother settings in the travel, commercial, and medical industries.

Certain characteristics of target objects discussed above can bedetermined mathematically based on the absorption of X-ray radiation bythe object. The absorption of X-ray radiation by a material in an itemis proportional to the degree of X-ray attenuation and is dependent onthe energy of the X-ray radiation and the following material parameters:thickness, density, and atomic number. The relationship between thesevalues can be described by Equation 1:I_(x) =I ₀ exp[−(μ/ρ)x]  (1)where, I_(x) is the intensity of the X-ray radiation after passingthrough a material, I₀ is the intensity of the X-ray radiation beforepassing through a material, μ/ρ is the mass attenuation coefficient; andx is obtained by multiplying the thickness of the material by itsdensity. It should be appreciated that since X-ray absorption by amaterial is dependent on the thickness, density, and atomic number ofthe material, absorption and attenuation may be most accuratelydetermined when all three parameters of a material are known. Thescanning devices described herein can accurately determine thethickness, density, and/or atomic number of an object, and theseparameters may be used to determine whether an object is a targetobject.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, prescanner device 1 performs an initialscan of an item, and CT scanner device 3 then may perform a subsequentscan of one or more areas of interest within the item, which aredetermined based on the initial scan. Prescanner device 1 may“feedforward” information relating to possible target object areasdetermined during the initial prescan to the CT scanner device 3 so thatCT scanner device 3 scans only those slices that are located in regionswhere target objects may exist.

This method reduces the number of slices necessary to be taken by the CTscanner, including the number of slices taken through metal, to detect atarget object and increases the accuracy with which target objects aredetected. A CT scanner device employed alone to scan an item performs CTscans of planes (or “slices”) of the item and provides information onthe three dimensional spatial configurations of objects therein. Whilethis technique is useful in identifying target objects within thescanned item, each CT scan is time consuming and has a limited imagequality. Numerous of these time-consuming scans are required to ensureno target area is missed. By employing prescanner device 1 upstream ofthe CT scanner, according to one embodiment of the present invention,possible target objects and their two-dimensional locations aredetermined in a quick (relative to a CT scan) prescan. A significantadvantage lies in reducing the number of slices, and thereby reducingthe scan time, for an item.

In addition to reducing the scan time of the CT scanner device, thefeeding forward of information from prescanner device 1 to CT scannerdevice 3 may increase the accuracy of the CT scan images. For example,as will be described in greater detail below, for those slices that arein the vicinity of metal, the fedforward information can be used toperform metal artifact correction, thereby increasing the accuracy ofany reconstructed image from the CT scan and ability to detect targetobjects.

Another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, isdirected to a method or apparatus for transmitting information from CTscanner device 3 to prescanner device 1. According to this embodiment,information relating to a potential target object scanned by CT scannerdevice 3 is transmitted (“fedback”) to a processor to determine whetherto update information collected by prescanner device 1 relating to thepotential target object. For example, information collected by theprescanner device, relating to the effective atomic number and mass of apotential target object, may be inaccurate for areas of the scan wherethe potential target object overlaps with another object or objects. ACT scan of a region including the potential target object, by obtainingdensity information through scans of slices in different orientations,can distinguish the potential target object from background objects, andthereby determine the precise boundaries of the target object. Thisfedback information is analyzed by the processor to determine whether toupdate and improve the accuracy of the information (e.g., effectiveatomic number and mass) collected by prescanner device 1.

According to one embodiment of the invention (FIG. 2), the processor islocated internal to prescanner device 1, and information from CT scannerdevice 3 is transmitted to the processor in prescanner device 1. Theinformation may be transmitted in any of numerous ways, and the presentinvention is not limited to any particular one of such ways. Forexample, information from CT scanner device 3 may be transmitted from CTscanner device 3 to a processor 5 via data link 11. Processor 5 mayprocess the information transmitted from CT scanner device 3, andtransmit the processed information to prescanner device 1 via a datalink 13. Alternatively, information may be transmitted directly from CTscanner device 3 to prescanner device 1 via a data link 15. According toanother embodiment of the invention, the information from CT scannerdevice 3 is not transmitted to prescanner device 1, but rather istransmitted to a processor located external to prescanner device 1. Forexample, information may be transmitted to a processor located in CTscanner device 3 or to a processor in an external computing system.

Another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 3, isdirected to transmitting information from prescanner device 1 to CTscanner device 3, referred to as the “feedforward mode”, and from CTscanner device 3 to prescanner device 1, referred to as the“feedbackwards mode.” This embodiment combines the embodiments of FIGS.1 and 2, above. As discussed previously, in the feedforward mode,information relating to a two-dimensional location of a potential targetobject is transferred from prescanner device 1 to CT scanner device 3(or a processor coupled to CT scanner 3) to determine locations for CTslices to be performed, thereby reducing the CT scan time. Further inthe feedforward mode, information relating to the effective atomicnumber and mass of potential target objects is transferred fromprescanner device 1 to CT scanner device 3 (or a processor coupled to CTscanner 3) to increase the accuracy of the CT images, particularly forthose slices that are in the vicinity of metal. In the feedback mode,density information collected by CT scanner device 3 is transmitted toprescanner 1 (or a processor coupled to prescanner 1) to enable theprescanner to update and improve the accuracy of the effective atomicnumber and mass information collected by prescanner device 1.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, information from prescanner device 1 istransmitted to CT scanner device 3 via data link 17, and informationfrom CT scanner device 3 is transmitted to prescanner device 1 via adata link 19. Data link 17 and data link 19 may be separate data pathsor may be implemented as a single data path, such that information istransmitted for both of the data links via a single medium. Further,data link 17 and data link 19 may be direct links or may pass throughanother device, such as a processor. Data processing may occur in anexternal processor, or may occur internal to each of prescanner device 1and CT scanner device 3. As discussed above, though prescanner device 1and CT scanner device 3 are illustrated separately in FIG. 3, it is notnecessary that each be implemented as a separate unit. Rather,prescanner device 1 and CT scanner device 3 may be implemented as asingle unit having both prescanning and CT scanning functionalities.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram according to one embodiment in whichinformation may be transmitted from prescanner device 1 to CT scannerdevice 3 in the feedforward mode, and from CT scanner device 3 toprescanner device 1 in the feedbackwards mode. It should be appreciatedthat, as discussed above, the feedforward and feedbackwards modes neednot be implemented in the same screening system and that each may beimplemented independently in a separate system. The flow diagram of FIG.4 shows both information (i.e., data) flow (in phantom lines) andprocess flow (in solid lines).

Beginning with step 20, an item (e.g., an article of baggage) to bescreened is loaded into a machine of the invention. In step 21, the itemis scanned and analyzed using the prescanner device 1. The prescannerdevice 1 may be a line scanner, such as one of the VIS series offered byPerkinElmer Detection Systems, the assignee herein. The item isinitially loaded into the prescanner device 1 for scanning. For example,a human operator may place the item on a conveyor which, with the aid ofa motion controller, moves the item through prescanner device 1. In oneembodiment, prescanner device 1 has at least two X-ray sources forgenerating X-ray beams and may have one or more X-ray detectors forreceiving X-ray beams. The X-ray image resulting from the scan consistsof a two-dimensional array of pixels representing a view of thethree-dimensional item from one angle. A processor, either internal orexternal to prescanner device 1, calculates the attenuation of thegenerated X-rays penetrating the item for each pixel. According to oneembodiment of the invention, alternate pulses of high energy X-rays(e.g., 150 kV) and low energy X-rays (e.g., 75 kV) are respectivelygenerated by dual X-ray sources, and the processor calculates theattenuation for each pixel of the image resulting from the respectivehigh energy and low energy beams.

In a step 23, a table (Table A) is generated containing atomic numberand mass characteristics for each object. Table A may be storedelectronically by a memory (not shown) coupled to a processor. Both theprocessor and the memory may be either internal or external toprescanner device 1. An object may be defined as any region havingsimilar atomic number and mass characteristics. The calculatedattenuation of the high energy and low energy beam pulses for each pixelof the scanned item are used to determine the effective atomic number ofall objects. To derive the effective atomic number of each object basedon the attenuation, the attenuation of X-rays at each different energylevel is analyzed. One method for doing so is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,838,758 (Krug), incorporated by reference herein. It is known thatmaterials with a high effective atomic number (e.g., metals) absorb lowenergy X-ray radiation more strongly, whereas materials with a loweffective atomic number (e.g., organic materials) absorb high energyX-ray radiation more strongly. Thus, the effective atomic number of eachobject may be determined by analyzing the attenuation of low and highenergy X-rays by each pixel. To determine the effective atomic numberfor a particular object, all pixels within the object are compared topixels surrounding the object and a histogram is created, where the mode(peak of the histogram) represents the effective atomic number.

In addition to effective atomic number information, Table A may alsocontain mass information for each object. The mass for each pixel mayalso be determined based on the X-ray attenuation of both the high andlow energy X-rays. The relationship between X-ray attenuation andmaterial mass (i.e., thickness) is logarithmic; X-ray radiationdecreases logarithmically as the material thickness increases. Thus,mass may be estimated by analyzing the attenuation of X-rays of allenergies by materials within an item. To determine the mass for aparticular object, mass values for all pixels within an object areadded.

In an embodiment, Table A also contains confidence values for theeffective atomic number and mass values for each object. Confidencevalues for the effective atomic number and mass values represent aprobability or range of probabilities that the atomic number and massdata are correct. To determine a confidence level for the effectiveatomic number value or mass value of a particular object, a featurevector denoting properties such as compactness, connectiveness,gradients, histogram spread and other features may be used.

Numerous known procedures are available for determining the confidencelevel. One such procedure uses machine vision technology for objectclassification. Machine vision technology includes: (1) segmenting agroup of picture elements from their background, (2) describing thatgroup of picture elements by a set of features, and (3) using theresulting feature vector to classify the picture elements.

One software tool available for such object classification is ImageProcess and Analysis Software offered by Data Translation, Inc. asSP0550. Other software packages that provide similar tools for algorithmdevelopment include: Checkpoint® by Cognex Corporation of Natick, Mass.,Framework® by DVT of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and the Powervision® familyof products of RVSI of Canton, Mass. The invention need not be limitedto the features found in the exemplary software packages mentioned.There are numerous other approaches as described, for examples, in thefollowing textbooks:

-   1. Machine Vision: Theory, Algorithms, Practicalities (Signal    Processing and its Applications Series), by E. R. Davies;-   2. Computer Vision and Image Processing: A Practical Approach Using    CVIPTools (BK/CD-ROM), by Scott E. Umbaugh;-   3. Algorithms for Image Processing and Computer Vision, by James R.    Parker; and-   4. Feature Extraction in Computer Vision and Image Processing, by    Mark Nixon and Alberto Aguado.

A target object, such as an explosive, has a typical effective atomicnumber and mass value. Further, for a particular range of atomic numbervalues, a particular range of mass values will be characteristic of atarget object. Thus, it is useful to consider both atomic number andmass values in determining whether a target object is present.

In a step 25, a list of objects warranting further study (i.e., objectsof interest), including the locations for the objects, is generated. Theatomic number characteristics of Table A can be used to differentiatepotential target objects from the background, since different objectswill generally have different effective atomic numbers. A potentialtarget object may comprise a collection of pixels in close proximityhaving atomic number values that fall within a certain range. Forexample, a weapon or explosive may comprise a collection of pixelshaving high effective atomic number values that fall within a particularrange. Thus, it is possible to determine two-dimensional coordinates(e.g., x₁-x₂, z₁-z₂ in FIG. 6) of a potential target object based oneffective atomic number and mass information.

While the list of objects warranting further study and two-dimensionalcoordinates associated with each object may be generated automatically,it is also possible that a human operator may manually determine theinformation. For example, an operator may view an X-ray image todetermine objects of interest and their respective locations in twodimensions. Thus, the prescan analysis may be performed automatically ormanually, and the invention is not limited to either method of analysis.

Once a location of an object of interest, or a region thereof, has beendetermined, a CT scan of the object or region of interest may beperformed. Locations of slices (i.e., two-dimensional planes) in theitem to be scanned are chosen to coincide with a potential targetobject. Some target objects, such as explosives, are typically foundnear metal objects (e.g., wires, batteries). Metal, due in part to itshigh density, may cause artifacts in an image in the region surroundingthe metal. Thus, if a potential target object is located near metal, itis preferable to choose a slice that includes the target object, butthat is not in the vicinity of the metal. However, if a slice near metalis chosen, according to one aspect of the invention, a metal artifactcorrection is performed to correct for the image artifacts, as will bedescribed in step 35.

If, after step 25, there are no objects warranting further study, adecision may be made as to an appropriate course of action, based on theprescan information (FIG. 4, step 27). For example, an operator of anX-ray system in an airport may decide to return the baggage to thepassenger, search the baggage by hand, or call the bomb squad.Alternatively, an algorithm may be used to automatically determine anappropriate course of action. If, in step 29, there are objectswarranting further study, the item (e.g., baggage) is transferred to theCT scanner device, for example via the conveyor. If there are no objectswarranting further study, the item may or may not be transferred to theCT scanner device. According to one aspect of the invention, the itemmay be transferred to the CT scanner device when no objects warrantingfurther study have been detected so that undetected objects (e.g., sheetexplosives) may be screened for.

In step 31, CT images are generated for the item cross-sectionsidentified in step 25, if any. To form a CT image of a cross-section(i.e., slice) of an item, a finely collimated beam of radiation ispassed through the item in the desired slice plane, and the attenuationis measured. The process is repeated and a set of projections isacquired as the X-ray beam is passed through the object at differentangles. A reconstructed image of the two-dimensional distribution of thelinear attenuation coefficient, μ(x,y), may be obtained from theseprojections. If the projections could be acquired with an infinitelynarrow X-ray beam, and the angular increment at which the X-ray beam ispassed was negligible, the result would be a continuous set ofprojections. Displayed as a two-dimensional function, the continuous setof projections is referred to as the sinogram. An image may bereconstructed from the sinogram by implementing any of a number ofwell-known reconstruction techniques including, but not limited to, backprojection, iteration, Fourier transform, and filtered back projection.

As discussed above, a CT image of a slice results in a two-dimensionalimage of a cross-sectional plane of the scanned item. The image consistsof an array of pixels (e.g., 900 pixels×512 pixels). According to oneillustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, CT scanner device 3 performsscans at locations along a grid 61, such that slices are imaged atpredetermined intervals 63 a-c along the length of the item. Forexample, an article of baggage may be imaged every distance x along itslength. In FIG. 5, a first slice 65 is imaged at z₁ cm, a second slice67 is imaged z₂ cm=(z₁+x) cm, and a third slice 69 is imaged at z₃cm=(z₁+2x) cm. Performing scans according to a grid pattern ensures thatpotential target objects that may not have been identified as warrantingfurther investigation in step 25 are imaged. For example, sheetexplosives may evade identification by the prescanner device becausethey are thin in profile and minimally attenuate X-rays. The CT scanner,on the other hand, may image a number of planes transecting the sheetexplosive, and thus may more readily detect the sheet explosive.Preferably, the imaging points on the grid, discussed above, coincidewith the objects warranting further study identified in step 25. Forexample, the first and third slices in FIG. 5 intersect objects 71 a,b.If not all objects of interest are accommodated by the grid, additionalslices may be taken. Further, the grid is preferably positioned to avoidtaking slices of metal objects, for the reasons discussed previously.

In step 33, it is determined whether any imaged object of interest is inthe vicinity of a metal object. Additionally, it may be determinedwhether the image of the object of interest is likely to be distorted bymetal artifacts caused by the metal object. For example, although ametal object is in close proximity to the object of interest, it may bedetermined that the size of the metal object relative to the object ofinterest renders it unlikely that the metal object will have asignificant negative effect on the image of the object of interest(e.g., if the metal object is much smaller than the object of interest).If a potential target object is in the vicinity of a metal object, suchthat the image of the object is likely to be distorted by metalartifacts, a metal artifact correction is performed on the slicecontaining the metal artifacts, according to one aspect (feedforwardmode) of the invention described herein.

If it is determined in step 33 that a potential target object is in thevicinity of a metal object, information fed forward from the prescannerdevice is used to predict the type and shape of metal responsible forthe metal artifacts in step 35. In particular, the mass information andeffective atomic number information from Table A are used to identifythe metal type and perform a metal artifact correction specific to thetype and shape of the metal. The metal artifact correction algorithm isdescribed in detail below in connection with FIG. 7.

In step 37, the scanned CT images are analyzed. According to oneembodiment, the density, area, and three-dimensional coordinates aredetermined for each target object, for example using image processingalgorithms (e.g., region growing). The area of each target object isspecified by a range of two-dimensional (e.g., x₁-x₂, y₁-y₂ in FIG. 6)coordinates that delimit a region where the density of each pixel fallswithin a certain range. Further, a confidence level is determined forthe density and area values associated with each pixel. Each confidencelevel represents a probability that the density or area datacorresponding to that pixel is correct.

In step 39, a table (Table B) is generated containing the density, area,and three-dimensional coordinates for each target object, and aconfidence level for each characteristic of each target object. Table Bmay be stored electronically by a memory (not shown) coupled to aprocessor and may, along with or separate from the processor, be eitherinternal or external to CT scanner device 3. The three-dimensionalcoordinates for each target object are transmitted (“fed back”) toprescanner device 1 in step 41. According to one aspect (feedback mode)of the invention, this information from Table B may be used to augmentTable A. The processor, coupled to the memory that stores Table A,considers the fedback information and the information in Table A indetermining whether to update any of the information in Table A.

Since prescanner device 1 images the item from only one view, theprescanner device may not be able to discern whether an identifiedobject is a single object or a plurality of objects, as objects thatoverlap when imaged from a particular perspective may appear as a singlemerged object. If the prescanner device cannot differentiate a pluralityof overlapping objects, it may determine a mass value for an object thatis actually the mass values of two or more objects combined. Thethree-dimensional coordinate information provided in Table B can be usedto differentiate objects, and thereby correct erroneous effective atomicnumber values and mass values of Table A. If the mass of an objectchanges, the object may no longer be of interest or, conversely, maybecome interesting. For example, if an original mass determination isbased on two merged non-target objects, the mass value will beerroneously high, and may fall within the range corresponding to atarget object. When the two merged objects are differentiated and theirmasses are determined separately, the individual objects may no longerbe of interest if the mass value falls below a minimum mass associatedwith potential target objects.

In sum, the information fedback from Table B by the CT scanner deviceallows for more accurate determinations of the effective atomic numberand mass of each object, as listed in Table A, by the prescanner device.Hence, superior detection by the prescanner device and a lower falsealarm rate may be achieved by feeding back information from the CTscanner device to the prescanner device. It should be appreciated thatmultiple feedforward/feedbackwards loops are possible, wherebyinformation generated by the prescanner device 1 and CT scanner device 3is alternately transmitted between the two devices. It should beappreciated that the information from Table B need not be transmitted tothe prescanner device. Rather, the CT scanner device or an externalcomputer may implement an algorithm, similar to that which may beimplemented by the prescanner, to augment Table A based on the Table Binformation.

In step 27, a decision is made based on the information in Tables A andB as to an appropriate course of action. As discussed above, possibleactions include returning the baggage to the passenger, searching thebaggage by hand, or calling the bomb squad. An algorithm may be used tosynthesize the information of the two tables to determine an appropriateaction. For each potential target object, the algorithm may consider theeffective atomic number, density, and associated confidence levels foreach, as well as the thickness of the potential target object and theproximity of the potential target object to metal. Based on theinformation, a likelihood is determined that an identified object is atarget object. The likelihood is derived from a histogram representing,for example, the probability that an object having a given effectiveatomic number, density, thickness, mass, and proximity to metal is atarget object, and may be represented as a probability that the objectis a target object or as an absolute indication that the object is/isnot a target object. It should be appreciated that any of the automateddecisions or actions described above may alternatively be performed by ahuman operator.

FIG. 7 illustrates by flow diagram a method for obtaining a CT image andpredicting and correcting metal artifacts of the CT image, most steps ofwhich, as illustrated, correspond to step 35 described above inconnection with FIG. 4. Like FIG. 4, the flow diagram of FIG. 7 showsboth information (i.e., data) flow (in phantom lines) and process flow(in solid lines).

In step 43, a CT image is generated. Uncorrected CT images may containmetal artifacts when a scan is performed within a certain proximity tometal, which may result in inaccuracies. For example, beam hardeningartifacts cause inaccuracies in the estimation of attenuationcoefficients for pixels associated with x-rays that traverse highlyattenuating structures. Streaky shadows or star patterns of streaks mayresult near high density objects in regions of pixels where essentiallyno attenuation information exists. Scatter artifacts may result from thedispersion of X-ray photons by the atoms within the item, and may causenoise in the CT image.

In step 45, the image is clipped so that the image contains only themetal that accounts for the artifacts of the image. The region to beclipped is identified by considering the effective atomic numberinformation of Table A. Each pixel in the image of the metal will havean effective atomic number that falls within a range corresponding tothe effective atomic number of the metal. The clipped image containsonly the image of the metal, and does not contain the object of interestor artifacts.

The use of dual energy levels in the prescanner device makes it possibleto determine the characteristics of the metal in the image. In step 47,the type of metal and thickness of the metal in the image are identifiedbased on the information in Table A. In particular, the effective atomicnumber information of Table A is used to identify the type of metal andthe mass information of Table A is used to determine the thickness ofthe metal.

A sinogram of the clipped image is generated in step 49. As discussedabove, a single sinogram contains the information about a particularslice from all angles, with the information from each angle in its ownrow.

In step 51, a table (Table C) is generated that contains beam hardening,noise, and scatter correction parameters. The correction parameters aredetermined according to algorithms well-known in the art forcompensating for beam hardening, noise, and scatter, based on the typeand thickness of metal responsible for the artifacts.

In step 53, artifacts are introduced into the sinogram of the clippedimage using the table (Table C) generated in step 51. In particular, thesinogram is corrupted using beam hardening and scatter effects based onthe shape and type of the metal responsible for the artifacts,determined in step 47. The sinogram of the image of the metal andartifacts is reconstructed in step 55.

In step 57, the reconstructed artifact image generated in step 55 issubtracted from the sum of the original CT image generated in step 43and the clipped image generated in step 45. The result of the imagesubtraction is a metal artifact corrected image 59. The image willresult in a more accurate determination as to whether the object ofinterest represents a target object.

In an embodiment, the artifact image may also used as a map fordetermining whether the CT values read in the image are accurate.

Having described several embodiments of the invention in detail, variousmodifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled inthe art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be withinthe spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoingdescription is by way of example only, and is not intended as limiting.The invention is limited only as defined by the following claims andequivalents thereto.

1. A method for analyzing an object comprising: prescanning the objectusing a multiple energy X-ray device to determine information indicativeof effective atomic number characteristics of the object; transmittingthe information to a processor coupled to a computed tomography device;and conducting scans of areas of interest of the object with thecomputed tomography device based upon the information.
 2. Cancelled 3.The method of claim 1, further comprising: performing a metal artifactcorrection based on the information.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereinperforming a metal artifact correction includes performing a beamhardening correction.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein performing ametal artifact correction includes performing a scatter correction. 6.The method of claim 1, further comprising: using the information todetermine density characteristics of the object.
 7. The method of claim1, further comprising: using the information to determine a plane of theobject to be scanned.
 8. A method for analyzing an object comprising:prescanning the object using a multiple energy X-ray device to determineprescan information; transmitting the prescan information to a processorcoupled to a computed tomography device; performing a computedtomography scan of a plane of the object based on the prescaninformation; and performing a metal artifact correction on the computedtomography scan based on the prescan information if the plane intersectsan area including or near a metal object.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the processor is located within the computed tomography device.10. An apparatus for analyzing an object comprising: a multiple energyprescanner that prescans the object; and a computed tomography devicethat scans areas of interest of the object based on informationindicative of effective atomic number characteristics of the objecttransmitted from the multiple energy prescanner.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the multiple energy prescanner has a high energy X-raysource and a low energy X-ray source.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10,further comprising a conveyor for transporting the object from themultiple energy prescanner to the computed tomography device.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the computed tomography device is amultiple energy computed tomography device.
 14. An apparatus foranalyzing an object comprising: a multiple energy prescanner; and acomputed tomography device; wherein information indicative of at leastone metal artifact is transmitted from the multiple energy prescanner tothe computed tomography device.
 15. The method of claim 1, whereintransmitting the information comprises transmitting the information to aprocessor coupled to a computed tomography device, the computedtomography device comprising a portion of a unit that also comprises themultiple energy x-ray device.
 16. The method of claim 1, whereinconducting scans comprises conducting scans of areas of interest of theobject with the computed tomography device based upon the information todetermine second information, the method further comprising:transmitting the second information to a processor to determine whetherto modify the information indicative of effective atomic numbercharacteristics of the object.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein thesecond information is indicative of density characteristics of theobject.
 18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the multiple energyprescanner and the computed tomography device are implemented as asingle unit.
 19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the informationindicative of effective atomic number characteristics of the object isupdated based on second information generated by the computed tomographydevice.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the second information isindicative of density characteristics of the object.